A lean but mean Philippine Swimming League (PSL) delegation has already left for Singapore on Thursday to compete in the 20th Singapore Open Invitational Midget Meet beginning on September 13 at the Singapore Sports Aquatic Center.

Multi-gold medalists Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh, Michael Gabriel Lozada and Emanuel Jelankarlo Solina are expected to go all-out as they are up against the region’s best tankers including those from host Singapore, powerhouse China and perennial title contender Vietnam.

Joining them are PSL President Susan Papa, Secretary General Maria Susan Benasa and Joan Melissa Mojdeh.

“All three swimmers will compete in eight years old category. It’s going to be a tough one but it’s a good test for them. We’ll try to win gold medals, they are pumped up and ready to plunge into action,” said Papa.

“They need to push themselves. There are top swimmers coming in this tournament especially those from China and Vietnam. The Singapore will also field a strong team. These are our top competitors,” added the PSL chief.

Each swimmer is allowed to take part in two events.

Mojdeh, a standout of Immaculate Heart of Mary College, takes part in the girls’ 8 years butterfly and breaststroke. She has been a dominant force in some major international competitions including in the recent 2014 Singapore Invitational Swimming Meet held in August where she bagged the Most Outstanding Swimming award in her age-group.

Lozada and Solina, on the other hand, will be seeing action in the boys’ 8 years butterfly and backstroke events.

“We want to expose them in a high-level competition to further hone their skills. They are well prepared and we’re optimistic,” said Papa.

The PSL is the national sports association for swimming of the Federation of School Sports Associations of the Philippines. It has the longest running swimming grassroots development program in the country. The PSL is also an affiliate to Federation International Sports University.

The PSL will be going to Roxas City in Capiz for the staging of the 66th Leg Series. It will also serve as tryout for the 2014 edition of the Royal Bangkok Swimming Meet in November.